Royal Bournemouth the first hospital outside London using new cardiac technology
The team using new equipment to treat people with atrial fibrillation
The cardiology team at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) has become the first outside of London to use a revolutionary new technology to treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
That's the most common heart rhythm abnormality seen in the UK, and can be an extremely disabling condition, commonly causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, tiredness, and palpitations.
Previously, cardiologists have treated AF invasively through targeting and abolishing the electrical signals in the heart responsible for triggering the arrhythmia, by burning them away.
The procedure carries a small risk of causing damage to surrounding areas, such as the oesophagus.
The new technology uses an electrical field across the heart to target irritable heart tissue thought to trigger AF.
The heart is accessed using a smaller plastic tube than previously, inserted via the groin, reducing the risk of injury, bleeding, and bruising and allowing earlier mobilisation after the procedure.
This technique also allows for a 3D map of the heart to be created, reducing the risk of unnecessary exposure to x-rays for the patient.
One of the first patients to be treated with this technology is Jackie Dexter, 58, from Broadstone. She said:
“I was anxious about the procedure, and I am excited it’s now done. I am hoping not to have irregular heartbeats anymore, and no further damage to my heart. I have total confidence in the team and want to thank them for looking after me so well.”
Dr Richard Bala, consultant in cardiac electrophysiology, said:
“As the second highest volume centre in the country for this technology, our team has a catchment of Dorset, West Hampshire, and South Wiltshire, serving approximately 1m people. This new procedure is quicker and safer for our patients, with excellent results seen globally, and we are very happy and excited to be providing this treatment for our local population.”